March 9, 2010

RODRIGUEZ EARNS SPOT ON CAA ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

RICHMOND, Va. – Big time players make big time plays in big time games.

That’s the theory at least and that’s why junior Joey Rodriguez (Oviedo, Fla.) continues to assert as one of those big time players as the 5-10 point guard earned a spot on the Colonial Athletic Association All-Tournament team, which was announced after last night’s championship game.

In the three games that the Black & Gold played at the Richmond Coliseum, Rodriguez led the team with a 14 point- per-game scoring average, along with dishing out 13 assists, picking up seven steals and corralling six rebounds.

“Joey was phenomenal for us, not just in the tournament, but all year,” Head Coach Shaka Smart said. “He’s been the heart and soul of this team and continues to evolve as a leader. I really can’t wait to see what the rest of this season and next year brings.”

Joining him on the All-Tournament team was Northeastern guard Matt Janning, William & Mary guards Danny Sumner and David Schneider and from Old Dominion, Kent Bazemore and Gerald Lee.

This was Rodriguez’s second honor since the conclusion of the regular season as he also earned All-CAA Second Team honors prior to the tournament.

On the year, he is averaging 12.2 points, 5.8 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 2.0 steals per outing for the Black & Gold.

Rodriguez and his teammates will take the week to practice and prepare for their postseason fate, which will be determined on Sunday evening.